Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla plans to approach Tuesday’s 125-124 overtime win over the Brooklyn Nets as a defeat during Wednesday’s film session, saying his team must address its execution despite Jayson Tatum’s game-winning buzzer-beater.
“In film tomorrow, we just have to treat it like a loss,” Mazzulla said after Boston improved to 3-1 with its third consecutive victory. “You can’t treat it like a win. It has to be treated like a loss.”
The Celtics overcame a late deficit and needed Tatum’s 17-foot jumper at the overtime buzzer to escape with the victory. However, Mazzulla said the performance exposed areas that require improvement, even as he praised the team’s ability to stay connected when its execution was below standard.
“I thought, you know, we’re not going to play well throughout the season,” Mazzulla said. “So, that’s kind of the first time this year where we weren’t playing well and wanted to see how we stick together.”
The coach wanted to evaluate how his players responded to adversity, including their communication and ability to adjust during a difficult game.
“I thought we handled that piece well,” Mazzulla said. “And then I think we can handle the tactical piece better. So that’s something we got to get better at.”
Boston received an important lift from Sam Hauser, Baylor Scheierman and Luka Garza, whose energy helped shift the momentum in the second half. Mazzulla highlighted their loose-ball recoveries, rebounds and transition baskets as examples of how players can contribute without relying solely on scoring.
“Every guy has to impact winning in different ways,” Mazzulla said. “I thought those three did a great job of that in that middle unit.”
Mazzulla also praised Tatum’s performance, describing a player who remained patient, attacked the basket and made the right decisions on both ends of the floor. Tatum recorded 40 points and eight assists without committing a turnover.
“He just gave the game exactly what it needs,” Mazzulla said. “Stayed in the present moment, and, you know, you got to see his greatness.”
The coach also explained the thinking behind Boston’s final possession in overtime. With 2.3 seconds remaining, the Celtics wanted to avoid a turnover and create a shot for one of their playmakers, Tatum or Payton Pritchard.
Mazzulla said the pair executed the two-on-two situation well, with Tatum getting the switch, creating separation and converting the decisive jumper.
“He was able to knock it down and win the game for us,” Mazzulla said.
Boston will have an opportunity to apply those lessons when it hosts the Chicago Bulls on Friday. The Nets, who fell to 0-4, will host the Detroit Pistons the same night.
